‘Can We Clap Better?’ Ruto Jokes With Guests at Nairobi Judges Swearing-In Ceremony

President William Ruto brought a lighthearted touch to a solemn State House ceremony in Nairobi when he paused his speech to playfully call out the audience for their lukewarm reception. The president injected a dose of humor after noticing what he described as “mean” clapping from the guests during the swearing-in of new judges.

The president appeared genuinely surprised that the family members and friends of the appointees weren’t celebrating more loudly. Breaking the formal tension, he quipped:

“I was wondering at some point why the people who came here are very mean with their applause.”

The remark sparked immediate laughter from the crowd. Ruto continued to tease the attendees, reminding them of the significance of the achievement being honored.

“I thought you came with members of family, and I thought you came with friends, and I thought members of family and friends would appreciate what you have done.”

Before returning to the official business of the day, the head of state rallied the room to provide a more spirited welcome for the new judicial officers, asking, “Can we have a round of applause for these people?”

President Ruto pointed out that the newly appointed judges had dedicated decades to the legal profession, making their promotion a hard-earned milestone. He reminded the audience that after 15 to 29 years of service, these officials deserved a celebration that matched their commitment.

“These good people we are swearing in today have spent years, 20 years, 29 years, more than 15 years, and this is a very well deserved occasion for them,” he said.

Ruto’s ‘Jordan’ Joke

The president kept the mood light by sharing a story from a rural electrification project in Khwisero. He recalled meeting a young barber who, thanks to newly installed power, had opened his first shop. Ruto amused the crowd by recounting their conversation about various hairstyles and their prices.

“I found this young man, and he had gotten electricity for the first time, and he had opened this barbershop. He was telling me which hairstyle costs how much. He told me the hairstyle called Jordan is the most expensive.”

Seizing the moment, the president cleverly linked the barber’s “Jordan” hairstyle, a popular reference to a clean-shaven head, to the judiciary. He playfully singled out one of the judges, drawing a roar of laughter from the State House guests.

“If you see Judge Aggrey Muchelule, that is Jordan. I am sure,” Ruto said.

The President used the lighthearted moment to reflect on the nature of public service and generational shifts, jokingly suggesting that veterans in the profession are better positioned to afford “premium” styles.

“People who have been serving for long can afford it; maybe the younger ones cannot afford,” he added.

The humor served as a backdrop to a major milestone for the Kenyan legal system as the president presided over the swearing-in of 49 new judges. This cohort includes 24 High Court judges, 13 for the Environment and Land Court, and 12 destined for the COMESA Court of Justice. While congratulating the appointees as they officially took office, Ruto reminded them of the weight of their new roles.

“I extend my congratulations to each of the judges taking the oath today. Your appointment is both a great honour and a great responsibility and a solemn commitment before God, to serve people with integrity, diligence, and humility,” he said.

The Head of State pressed the new judges to honor their oath of office through dedicated public service. He revealed that he has now sworn in 92 judges in just three years, a move he describes as a core pillar of his plan to bolster the third arm of government.

“It is a commitment that I made to the people of Kenya to work with the judiciary in a manner that will help build its capacity,” he said.

Beyond increasing the number of personnel, the president reaffirmed his administration’s support for judicial reforms aimed at slashing case backlogs. He noted that this expanded capacity creates a clear obligation for the institution to produce tangible results for citizens.

“The expanded capacity that I see today places a clear responsibility on every institution, including the judiciary, to deliver results,” Ruto said.

The President further called for a modern approach to the law, urging the judiciary to embrace innovation and technology to ensure justice moves swiftly. He noted that the government will closely monitor future progress reports to ensure these new appointments lead to a more efficient justice system.

“We look ahead to the next state of the judiciary and the Administration of Justice Report with keen interest to see decisive progress in reducing case backlogs,” he said.

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